Which Side is the Steering Wheel on When Driving in the US?
2 Answers
The steering wheel in American cars is on the left side, and driving is on the right. Here is some knowledge about steering wheels: 1. Regulations on steering wheel position: The placement of the steering wheel on the left or right is mainly determined by national traffic rules. Countries with right-hand traffic place the steering wheel on the left to facilitate observation of road conditions without being obstructed by vehicles ahead, which is particularly important when overtaking. 2. Regions with left-side steering wheels: The vast majority of countries and regions in the world have steering wheels on the left side, with only a few exceptions such as the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau where they are on the right.
I just returned from a business trip to the US, where I personally experienced driving with the steering wheel on the right side, commonly referred to as left-hand drive. This is due to historical reasons, as the US inherited the British tradition: during the horse-drawn carriage era, driving on the right side gradually became the norm to facilitate holding the whip with the right hand and observing the roadside. Even today, road designs and traffic signals are based on this principle, such as providing better visibility of pedestrians at intersections when turning. Interestingly, some former British colonies switched to right-hand drive after gaining independence, like Canada's neighbor, but the US maintained consistency. When driving, it’s important not to confuse the sides, especially if you're a beginner or an international visitor. I recommend familiarizing yourself with local rules in advance to ensure safe driving—after all, wrong turns can lead to accidents, and small details can save lives.
